Paper short abstract:

This paper discusses, based on qualitative research on an evangelical group in Switzerland, how media scandals forced the group to withdraw from the physical public and move its activities to the digital sphere, thereby modifying its structure and content.

Paper long abstract:

In 1999, Ivo Sasek founded the Organic Christ Generation (OCG), an evangelical congregation in Switzerland. After Sasek had publicly advocated for the corporal punishment of children, the OCG received an array of excoriating media coverage. In the course of this, the founder also came under scrutiny for the allegedly exploitative treatment of his followers. Thereupon, Sasek started his own media platforms to counter the negative reporting, elevating himself as a fighter for truth and justice. These online media outlets, operated by his congregators, have reached an audience beyond his initial following and particularly gained momentum amongst those who agree with his anti-media and anti-government stance. Subsequently, general repercussions against Sasek extended beyond unfavourable press: Event locations were no longer rented to him, and banks refused to grant loans. Hence, large-scale public meetings were no longer possible, further increasing Sasek’s shift to a far-reaching online presence long before the Covid-19-pandemic.

First, this paper discusses the conditions that allowed Sasek’s media outlets to become the figureheads of a controversial religious organisation in Switzerland. Second, the media outlets and their online content are examined. The analysis reveals how alternative spiritual ideas and conspiracy theories have influenced the formerly evangelical teachings by moving them to digital platforms. Finally, attention is drawn to the changes in OCG’s organisational structure, moving from a community to a network of like-minded believers, which has increased the reach of Sasek’s organisation. Therefore, this case study offers a distinct view on religious groups’ online possibilities centring on a shift enforced by external pressure but at a slower pace than pandemic-related restrictions on face-to-face interaction.